/2
The Alcor sailplane was one of the first sailplanes in the U.S. made of composite materials. Other innovations, like a pressurized cockpit (a first for a sailplane) and a solar heater, kept the pilot comfortable at high altitudes. The Alcor is the only one of its kind.
Robert Lamson, designer and builder of the Alcor, joined the Boeing Company in the 1940s, working as a test pilot and developer of oxygen systems for high-altitude flight. His interest in composite technology led to the innovative design of the Alcor. The sailplane is constructed of Sitka spruce and epoxy glass sandwich composite material. This construction allowed for an airframe that was light, yet very strong. Today, composite materials have taken an ever more prominent role in the aviation industry.
Lamson flew the experimental sailplane recreationally from 1973 until 1985. From 1985 to 1989, the Alcor flew in a study of the Chinook Arch in Alberta, Canada. The Chinook Arch is a weather phenomenon associated with severe turbulence in the Canadian Rockies. Unlike powered aircraft, the Alcor could glide over the area of interest and collect undisturbed meteorological and environmental data for extended periods of time. The Alcor accumulated 36 flights and over 62 flight hours supporting this effort.
Lamson donated the Alcor to The Museum of Flight in 1989.
The Alcor sailplane was one of the first sailplanes in the U.S. made of composite materials. Other innovations, like a pressurized cockpit (a first for a sailplane) and a solar heater, kept the pilot comfortable at high altitudes. The Alcor is the only one of its kind.
Robert Lamson, designer and builder of the Alcor, joined the Boeing Company in the 1940s, working as a test pilot and developer of oxygen systems for high-altitude flight. His interest in composite technology led to the innovative design of the Alcor. The sailplane is constructed of Sitka spruce and epoxy glass sandwich composite material. This construction allowed for an airframe that was light, yet very strong. Today, composite materials have taken an ever more prominent role in the aviation industry.
Lamson flew the experimental sailplane recreationally from 1973 until 1985. From 1985 to 1989, the Alcor flew in a study of the Chinook Arch in Alberta, Canada. The Chinook Arch is a weather phenomenon associated with severe turbulence in the Canadian Rockies. Unlike powered aircraft, the Alcor could glide over the area of interest and collect undisturbed meteorological and environmental data for extended periods of time. The Alcor accumulated 36 flights and over 62 flight hours supporting this effort.
Lamson donated the Alcor to The Museum of Flight in 1989.
